Abstract:
The ploymetallic uranium ore from Xinjiang was processed and the influences of particle size, sulphuric acid concentration, types and concentration of oxidants, and the ratio of liquid to solid on uranium leaching were investigated and discussed by agitation leaching test and cylinder leaching test. The result shows that the ore, with a good leaching effect, is suitable for acid leaching and belongs to easy-leaching ore; the ore, with high content of CaO, leads to high acid consumption, reaching more than 9%; in the process of acid leaching of uranium, BeO leaches rarely, which may be considered for extracting and using of BeO; the particle size index affects greatly the leaching effect-small grade ore has a high leaching rate and short leaching cycle, but high consumption of acid; the addition of oxidant has little effect on uranium leaching rate; the seam height has effects on uranium leaching, the greater the height, the lower the acid consumption and the smaller ratio of liquid to solid. In order to improve the technological and economic indexes of heap leaching, in the actual production, it may be considered to increase the usage of high stack or heap leaching and during the middle and later process of leaching, showering stopping and other measures may be alternatively used.